In the last two years, my family has had a series of health crises. Because I don’t work a traditional job, I’m often the most available to travel and so I have, a lot. In times of crisis, we learn about ourselves. We have all kinds of deep thoughts about mortality, generations, how past is prologue. We think about money, our estates, our legacy and what we leave behind in the world. I’ve had all those kinds of thoughts and feelings over the last several months, but many other people have spoken more eloquently about all of that than I ever could. Instead, I’d like to discuss my other takeaway. I freaking love Sheetz. Yes, Sheetz, the place where you stop to get gas and coffee and sometimes food. Traveling back and forth all the time, I’ve come to watch for that red sign with the retro writing. I don’t know what Sheetz does to or for it’s employees, but they all seem happy. They keep the stores clean and the bathrooms clean and for those of you that drive long distances a lot, you know what a welcome relief that can be. The coffee is good and customizable. I’m not one for flavored coffees and fancy drinks, but I appreciate that they offer them. Mostly, I appreciate that they offer regular coffee, strong and hot and that I can put real half and half in it. I appreciate that they have a customer loyalty card that gets me three cents off gas and the occasional free coffee or sandwich. I appreciate that on Christmas Day the coffee is free and how delighted the staff seems to be to tell you that. Finally, I appreciate the Walker Breakfast Ranger, not just because I love the name, and I do LOVE the name, but because it is a delicious flavor combination that can’t be bought anywhere else, and because it’s made to order, not sitting on a shelf under a heat light.

I love my family and I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to go to them when they need me. And I love Sheetz for making the journey so much more pleasant.